Quick Summary
Private research university in Washington, D.C., United States — George Washington University, est. 1821. Ranked #362 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 25930 students including 18% from outside United States. Known for strengths in International Relations, Political Science, Law, it maintains an acceptance rate of 49%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Located four blocks from the White House, GW offers unparalleled access to political, economic, and social influencers, providing students with unique internship and networking opportunities.
Subject Strengths
International RelationsPolitical ScienceLawPublic HealthInternational BusinessNursing
Founded1821
TypePrivate Research University
Total Students25930
Intl Students18%
Faculty Ratio13
CampusUrban
Campus Size43 acres
Affiliated HospitalsGeorge Washington University Hospital, Children's National Hospital
AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#362
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#201-250
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#301-400
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate, Graduate, Doctoral, Professional (Law, Medicine)
Programs
30+
PhD Programs
Available
Online Programs
Institute for International Economic Policy, Sigur Center for Asian Studies, Cybersecurity and Privacy Research Institute
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate49%
IELTS7
TOEFL100
Min GPA3.5
GREOptional for most programs
GMATOptional for most programs
SATTest Optional
ACTTest Optional
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · January 5
SPRINGApplication Deadline · October 1
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Highlight extracurricular activities related to leadership or public service. GW values students who demonstrate an interest in global issues and civic engagement.
05
Cost Ledger
Annual estimate
UG Tuition
$67,420/yr
per year · USD
Living Cost
$22,500/yr
per year · USD
PG Tuition
$38,500/yr
per year · USD
Application Fee
$80
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$90,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · USD
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$32,000
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
06
Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate, Graduate, Doctoral, Professional (Law, Medicine) programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| International Affairs | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Political Science | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Business Administration | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Public Health | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Biomedical Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
07
Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$72,000
Average Salary After Graduation
92%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementExcellent (Proximity to Federal Government, World Bank, IMF)
Industry Connections
Strong links with government agenciesNGOsand Fortune 500 companies in the DMV area.
Notable Alumni
Colin Powell, Elizabeth Warren, Kerry Washington, J. Edgar Hoover
08
Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Lerner Health and Wellness Center, Smith Center
Student Clubs
500+
Library Resources
Gelman Library, Eckles Library, Jacob Burns Law Library
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
Available